It is certain that the star called Saturn is the highest, and therefore appears the smallest, that he passes through the largest circuit, and that he is at least thirty years in completing it[142]. The course of all the planets, and among others of the Sun, and the Moon, is in the contrary direction to that of the heavens[143], that is towards the left, while the heavens are rapidly carried about to the right[144]. And although, by the stars constantly revolving with immense velocity, they are raised up, and hurried on to the part where they set, yet they are all forced, by a motion of their own, in an opposite direction[145]; and this is so ordered, lest the air, being always moved in the same direction, by the constant whirling of the heavens, should accumulate into one mass, whereas now it is divided and separated and beaten into small pieces, by the opposite motion of the different stars. Saturn is a star of a cold and rigid nature, while the orbit of Jupiter is much lower, and is carried round in twelve years[146]. The next star, Mars, which some persons call Hercules[147], is of a fiery and burning nature, and from its nearness to the sun is carried round in little less than two years[148]. In consequence of the excessive heat of this star and the rigidity of Saturn, Jupiter, which is interposed between the two, is tempered by both of them, and is thus rendered salutary. The path of the Sun consists of 360 degrees; but, in order that the shadow may return to the same point of the dial[149], we are obliged to add, in each year, five days and the fourth part of a day. On this account an intercalary day is given to every fifth year[150], that the period of the seasons may agree with that of the Sun. Below the Sun[151] revolves the great star called Venus, wandering with an alternate motion[152], and, even in its surnames, rivalling the Sun and the Moon. For when it precedes the day and rises in the morning, it receives the name of Lucifer, as if it were another sun, hastening on the day. On the contrary, when it shines in the west, it is named Vesper, as prolonging the light, and performing the office of the moon. Pythagoras, the Samian, was the first who discovered its nature[153], about the 62nd olympiad, in the 222nd year of the City[154]. It excels all the other stars in size, and its brilliancy is so considerable, that it is the only star which produces a shadow by its rays. There has, consequently, been great interest made for its name; some have called it the star of Juno[155], others of Isis, and others of the Mother of the Gods. By its influence everything in the earth is generated. For, as it rises in either direction, it sprinkles everything with its genial dew, and not only matures the productions of the earth, but stimulates all living things[156]. It completes the circuit of the zodiac in 348 days, never receding from the sun more than 46 degrees, according to Timæus[157].